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There is a lot of buzz these days about antioxidants. We all know we need them, but how do we know if we have enough? Do some people need more antioxidants than others? Is there such a thing as getting too many antioxidants? One of the best things you can do in an effort to answer these questions and monitor your health is to have Spectracell Micronutrient testing done. This will give you insight into whether or not you’re getting enough antioxidants as well as other nutrients. Are you still confused and have more questions? Let’s see if we can help with that.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals Explained

While most people know that antioxidants support our immune system, many don’t actually know what they are. Antioxidants are substances such as vitamin C or E that remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in the body. They help to prevent cell damage caused by these oxidants, hence the name. Oxidative stress occurs when an oxygen molecule splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons, which are called free radicals. These free radicals are found in the environment and like antioxidants, they’re also produced naturally in our bodies.

While these unstable molecules can cause DNA mutations and have been linked to serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s, free radicals aren’t always the bad guys. Just like our bodies need antioxidants, they also require a certain amount of free radicals. An important part of the body’s defenses, free radicals are essential. Your immune system will often utilize free radicals to defend against and eliminate invading bacteria.

Free radicals are also generated by pollutants, cigarette smoke, and sun overexposure. These can cause an excess of free radicals, overwhelming the antioxidant produced naturally by the body. This creates a vulnerability to cell damage, disease and can contribute to aging. It also creates the need to supplement the body’s natural antioxidants.

It’s All About Balance

Not all antioxidants are the same and each has its own function. There are also different types of free radicals and some antioxidants only excel at fighting certain types. Other antioxidants are effective only in specific parts of a cell, while some can only fight off free radicals only under the certain conditions.

This means it’s important to our health to have a good balance when it comes to antioxidants. For example, both vitamin C and E are antioxidants, yet a surplus of vitamin C doesn’t make up for a deficiency of vitamin E. It is also important to maintain a healthy balance between the free radicals and antioxidants. If excess free radicals result in insufficient antioxidants, the body’s immune system could be compromised, leaving the body open to the negative impact of bacteria and infections. Too many antioxidants can suppress your body’s own ability to turn on its antioxidant defense system

Sources of Antioxidants

There are various supplements on the market but the best way to get enough antioxidants is through food. While foods from plants such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds are rich in antioxidants, they aren’t the only natural source of these nutrients.

Antioxidants can also be found in meats, eggs, and dairy as the animals feed on plants. Meat and dairy products from grass-fed animals have high levels of antioxidants. Avoid relying on processed foods that have been antioxidant-fortified as many only contain one or two of those essential to a healthy balance. Stick with plant-based foods to naturally supply the necessary antioxidants and only add supplements to your diet if recommended by your physician.

Consider Spectracell Micronutrient Testing

So the question remains – how do you know if you’re getting all the antioxidants your body needs? Remember everyone’s system is different and some people may require a larger intake of antioxidant rich foods than others.

Spectracell Micronutrient testing can be a valuable tool in discovering exactly what your diet and body may be lacking. Included in this testing is a Spectrox score or total antioxidant function test, which assess your body’s ability of cells to resist damage caused by free radicals or other forms of oxidative stress.

Losing weight can be difficult and there is no quick fix. It’s more than just dieting. It’s about changing your whole lifestyle. In some cases, a medical weight loss plan may be necessary, especially if you have a large amount of weight to lose. While this type of weight loss plan can be very effective, exercise can be a healthy way to energize your weight loss strategy. Complementing your medical weight loss plan with exercise offers many benefits.

Appetite Control

Real hunger has little to do with the amount of food people eat or why they eat. Many people who overeat do it out of habit or because they are stressed or bored.

Some people say they often feel hungry after exercising.This might be true when you first start being active but exercise can actually aid in controlling your appetite. After the first few days, the hunger pangs will be replaced with a feeling of overall well-being and accomplishment.

Exercise draws on the calories stored in tissues. Because these calories are in the form of glucose and fat, your blood glucose levels remain stable and won’t leave you feeling hungry after you’ve exercised.

Burn Calories – Build Muscle

Any calories burned above and beyond the amount needed to maintain your body’s current weight will help accelerate your medical weight loss plan. Exercise raises your metabolic rate which burns calories. This will help you lose fat and some forms of exercises can help you build muscle. While fat is relatively inert, muscle is active. It needs energy to maintain itself. Quite simply, the more muscle you have, the more calories that are converted into energy rather than fat.

Many studies show that when a person diets, the weight lost is 75% fat and 25% muscle. Lost muscle reduces the body’s ability to burn calories. Building and maintaining muscle while following a medical weight loss plan is important. It can also help tighten and tone your body, accentuating any weight loss you achieve.

Resistance training, such as lifting weights can be effective in preventing muscle loss. If you’ve never done resistance training before, start small and go slowly. Be sure to consult with your physician or obesity medicine specialist about the proper type of exercise regimen for your current weight and medical condition.

Break Bad Habits

Exercise can do more than burn calories and build muscle. It can be a great alternative to some of the bad habits that contributed to your weight gain in the first place.

After dinner, if you normally lounge on the couch watching television and snacking, go for a walk instead. A simple walk around the block a few times may not burn a ton of calories but it will burn a few and every little bit will help with your medical weight loss plan. It will also help your body become accustomed to being active, not to mention keeping you away from the snacks.

Fight Boredom – Relieve Stress

As mentioned previously, one of the causes of overeating is boredom. Eating because you have nothing better to do is something most people have done at one time or another. Stress can cause some people to overeat as well.

Exercising or getting involved in some sort of physical activity will provide an alternative to eating and keep you out of the kitchen. It could be taking that simple walk around the block or participating in a group fitness class. Exercise can relieve stress, combat boredom and help you avoid excess eating while burning calories.

A Medical Weight Loss Plan & Exercise Can Equal Success

There are many health benefits of medical weight loss and exercise can increase those benefits. The key to achieving and maintaining healthy weight loss is to change your lifestyle. Including exercise in your daily routine can help ensure initial and long term success. The hardest part, however, is the first step.

Getting started on your medical weight loss journey must begin somewhere. At Vive Medical Weight Loss, that first step starts at your consultation. Dr. Pinto’s philosophy is to give you the jumpstart you need to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight. Call to schedule your consultation today and begin the journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Losing weight can be physically and emotionally draining. This is especially true if your weight poses a threat to your health. Being overweight or obese has many health risks including heart attacks and joint problems. You may have tried to lose weight on your own or under the supervision of your family physician without success. If this is the case it might be time to consult with a physician that specializes in weight loss.

Bariatric physicians specialize in the study of obesity, its causes and its prevention. They are trained and qualified to provide you with in-depth nutritional and exercise information. When you consult with a bariatric physician, they will review your medical history and take your overall heath into consideration.

Arrive at your consultation prepared. It may seem silly since they’re the experts, but there are questions you should ask a bariatric physician. You may want to ask about different weight loss options, medical weight loss supplements and which the best choice is for you.

What You Should Ask

Your bariatric physician will take your personal health history into account when answering your questions.

Am I healthy enough to diet?

If you have recently experienced significant health changes, your physician may recommend waiting until your condition has stabilized before starting a diet or exercise program.

How much weight should I lose?

If you are ready to lose weight, you may have already set a goal. It’s possible that your physician may feel your goal is over zealous or would recommend losing more than you had in mind. Together with your physician, you will be able to set a reasonable goal.

Will weight loss improve my health?

There are medical conditions that can be controlled with weight loss. Some of these include type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Discuss your particular medical condition with your physician.

Ask if your health may improve with weight loss. Ask if you will be able to take less medication or see your doctor less often. Knowing the answer to these questions can provide motivation for your weight loss journey.

Are medical weight loss supplements right for you?

You may want to ask your physician about medical weight loss supplements if you are significantly overweight. If you have tried other weight loss methods without success, explain the different programs you’ve tried.

FDA approved medications for weight loss can help significantly if indicated. Only a qualified bariatric physician should determine if you would benefit from a medication. They can ensure the proper dosage and instructions are given.

How much weight loss is necessary to see a benefit?

This really depends on how much weight you need to lose and what your medical conditions are. In some cases, just a small amount of weight loss can provide significant health benefits.

There are specific diet and weight loss programs designed for those with medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Other medical conditions, as well as your overall health, will be considered by your physician when helping you chose a program that’s right for you.

Should I avoid certain foods?

Some medications can become less effective if you eat certain foods. For example, those taking cholesterol medication should not eat grapefruit. If your physician recommends avoiding particular foods, make a list and stick to it.

Am I healthy enough for vigorous physical activity?

Upon evaluation, your physician will determine if you are healthy enough for exercise. They may set limitations on your physical activity, especially at the beginning of your weight loss program. These limitations may be modified as you begin to lose weight.

Ask your physician how you should monitor the intensity of your workouts. For example, heart rate monitors won’t be appropriate for those on medication to lower their heart rate. Discuss the best method for monitoring your physical activity.

While your family physician may or may not be able to help with your weight loss, consulting with a bariatric physician or an obesity medicine specialist has distinct advantages which will help with your success.

With over one third of Americans struggling with obesity, weight loss solutions are a major focus in our country. The first course of treatment is, of course, diet and exercise. To achieve significant weight loss, sometimes medical weight loss supplements are used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

These have been controversial over the years. They have been subject to extreme scrutiny by the FDA and the medical profession. There are medical weight loss supplements that have received FDA approval. Under the guidance and care of bariatric physician or a medical weight loss practitioner, safe and successful weight loss can be achieved when these supplements are used as part of an overall weight-loss plan.

Phentermine

Anmedical weight loss supplement, Phentermine is used to suppress your appetite. One of the most commonly prescribed weight-loss medications, it has been FDA approved since 1959.

By stimulating the brain, Phentermine increases activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This suppresses appetite and decreases cravings while our metabolism is increased. Usually taken in the morning, the supplement lasts about 10-12 hours in most patients.

Phentermine was originally FDA approved for short term weight loss of 12 weeks or less. Under the care of a medical professional, it can safely be taken longer if necessary provided there is no medical reason why you can’t take it.

Belviq

Belviq controls appetite by activating brain receptors for serotonin. The medical weight loss supplement targets this neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of satiety and satisfaction. It has been FDA approved since 2012. Studies show it can provide up to 56 of effective weight loss and maintenance.

The supplement is meant for those patients with a BMI or body mass index of 30 or over. It is also considered appropriate for those with a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

For best results, patients are advised to use the medication together with a healthy diet and exercise program. It is recommended that patients discontinue using the supplement if they fail to lose 5% of their body weight after 12 weeks. If meaningful weight loss is not achieved during this period, longer treatment is unlikely to yield results.

Qsymia

A unique, patented formulation of Phentermine and Topiramate, Osymia reduces the appetite. This medical weight loss supplement allows the patient to eat less and feel more satisfied with what they’ve eaten. FDA approved in 2012, Qsymia is for patients with a BMI of 30 or more. It is also approved for patients with a BMI of 27 and a comorbid health issue such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. The precise mechanism of action of the 2 ingredients on chronic weight management is unknown.

Taken once a day, patients begin by taking the lowest dose, then increasing to the recommended dose. In some circumstances, patients may have their dose increased to the highest dose. It should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management.

If the recommended dose of Qsymia does not result in a 3% weight loss after 12 weeks the dose should be increased. If after 12 more weeks on the higher dose they still don’t lose 3%, then the drug should be discontinued.

Contrave

A more recent medical weight loss supplement, Contrave is a combination of two well-known, previously approved medications, bupropion and naltrexone. FDA approved in 2014, nonclinical studies suggest Contrave affects the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic dopamine circuit. The supplement’s exact neurochemical effects leading to weight loss are not fully understood.

When first taking Contrave, the dose is slowly increased to help the patent adjust to it. The supplement should be taken in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Intended for chronic weight management in patients with a BMI of 30. It may also be used by patients with a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related comorbid condition. These include hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.

Obesity almost always causes other significant health issue and is a serious medical condition. Medical weight loss supplements as well the complementing diet and exercise programs supervised by a medical professional can successfully treat obesity.

Saxenda

Saxenda is a GLP-1 analogue, which is a synthetic version of a hormone our stomach releases to slow down digestion and decrease appetite. Originally FDA approved for type two diabetes as the drug Victoza, it was FDA approved in 2014 to treat obesity in non-diabetic patients with a BMI of 27 or higher with comorbid health issues or a BMI of 30 or greater.

Instead of a pill, this medication is given as a subcutaneous injection once daily into the belly or thigh using a very small needle in an auto-injecting pen. It slows down the transit of food through the gastrointestinal tract which reduces the appetite. It also works centrally on the hypothalamus to reduce the feeling of hunger. It will not lower your blood sugar if you have normal blood sugar, however, in diabetic patients it can help to control their blood sugar. It can be used for long term weight loss and maintenance.

Vive Center is proud partners with The Center for Medical Weight Loss, the largest network of physicians specializing in weight loss in the country. Dr. Pinto is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and has served as the National Medical Director of The Center for Medical Weight Loss since October of 2014. He is responsible for educating and training hundreds of doctors across the country. Schedule a consultation today and change your life for the better.

Medical weight loss is defined as weight management based on medical scientific principles and can provide many health benefits. Focusing on the root causes of obesity and weight gain, the goal of medical weight loss is to achieve and maintain a long term healthy weight while under the care of a bariatric physician or medical weight loss provider.

A medically supervised program will include a safe, low calorie diet. These customized programs are not only designed for weight loss but also to help break the cycle of food addiction. Your medical provider may also prescribe an appetite suppressant for additional support in your weight loss journey.

Medical weight loss providers have the ability to view your weight loss and maintenance within the context of your overall health. If you are taking medication for a medical condition, it may interfere with your weight loss. Your medical provider can consult with your primary care physician to find a safe, effective alternative to remove this barrier.

While there are physical benefits to weight loss like looking better and wearing a smaller size clothing, medical weight loss is usually sought after to improve the patient’s overall health and well-being.

Promote Heart Health

High cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are the two major risk factors for heart disease.

The accumulation of excess fat cells will release certain naturally occurring chemicals in to the bloodstream which cause blood pressure to rise.

Being overweight causes the liver to produce too much LDL or bad cholesterol. This bad cholesterol sticks to blood vessel walls causing a narrowing of the arteries, which causes an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

With medical weight loss, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol are reduced to a healthier level.

Help Prevent Diabetes

High Blood Glucose or Prediabetes occurs when sugar levels in the blood are higher than normal. When blood sugar levels are extremely high, the body stops naturally producing enough insulin to meet the body’s needs. This inability to produce insulin is the cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Excess weight makes it difficult for cells to respond to the insulin. The extra fat acts like an insulating layer, making it harder for the sugar to penetrate cells and causes higher circulating blood sugar levels.

Prediabetes or its progression to Type 2 Diabetes can often be prevented through medical weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.

Medical Weight Loss Improves Sleep

Those who are overweight tend to have more soft tissue in the neck. This excess tissue can cause the narrowing of the airway and result in snoring. Snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition.

With sleep apnea, breathing becomes completely obstructed and the sleeper must wake up to start breathing again. Detrimental health effects are caused by the resulting sleep and oxygen deprivation. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction and memory problems.

The fatty tissue in the neck is reduced with medical weight loss. This weight loss decreases snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight can encourage a better quality of sleep and reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea.

Increased Mobility and Less Painful Joints

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder causing bone and the cartilage that protects the joints to wear away. The result is swollen joints that become tender and movement becomes very painful. Being overweight increases the load placed on weight bearing joints, such as knees and hips.

The force exerted across the knee while walking is estimated to be between three to six times your body weight. Even 5% loss of body weight can decrease the amount of stress on knees, hips, and the lower back.

Medical weight loss will elevate some of the stress on these joints, allowing them increased mobility and reduced pain. Maintaining a healthy weight will not prevent Osteoarthritis but will make it easier to live with the disorder.

These are just some of the health benefits of medical weight loss. The key to maintaining healthy weight loss is to change your lifestyle. Long term success will depend on permanent changes in your day to day life. The hardest part, however, is the first step.

Getting started on your medical weight loss journey must begin somewhere. At Vive Medical Weight Loss, that first step starts at your consultation. Dr. Pinto’s philosophy is to give you the jumpstart you need to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight. Call to schedule your consultation today and begin the journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Often after losing weight, you can have stubborn areas of fat. It seems that no matter how much you diet or exercise, they just won’t go away. One of the most annoying is the layer of subcutaneous fat around the neck that sags down and creates a double chin. Because the double chin impacts your face, your most individual feature, it can affect your entire self-image.

A cosmetic surgeon can remove the fat pad under the chin and shorten the muscles under the jaw to eliminate the double chin. As with any surgery, there can be complications and it takes some time for incisions to heal. Of course you are anxious to get rid of your double chin but why have surgery if you don’t have too?

A New Solution – The CoolMini

While it has been successfully used on stubborn fat in other areas of the body, CoolSculpting technology now offers a non-surgical alternative for reducing or even eliminating your double chin. The CoolMini makes this technology available with a smaller applicator appropriate for use around the face. With this non-invasive fat reduction treatment, you can see results in 1 -2 visits and it requires no needles, surgery or downtime. What could be easier?

Ideal Candidates

Anyone who is dealing with stubborn fat creating a double chin may be able to benefit from CoolSculpting treatments administered with the CoolMini. Men and women of any age or ethnicity who are in reasonably good health and have realistic expectations for their results are ideal candidates. There is a consultation before beginning any treatments to determine if the CoolMini is appropriate. The purpose of this consultation is for you to receive a professional analysis of results you can expect with CoolSculpting.

The Science Behind CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting uses ultra-cold temperatures to destroy layers of fat cells below the skin’s surface. It utilizes a remarkable technique called cryolipolysis that freezes fat cells, causing them to die and gradually be eliminated by the body. Healthy skin and other tissue in the area is unaffected by CoolSculpting. Unlike traditional treatments for the chin area, the CoolMini is able to target and eliminate excess fatty tissue non-invasively and recovery is very minimal.

Is CoolSculpting Painful?

Most patients report feeling a slight pulling sensation and chill at first. The area being treated will quickly become numb and there is no pain, therefore no anesthesia is necessary. You will be able to talk, read, or use your phone while receiving the treatment. You may have a slight itchy sensation once the treatment is completed.

Final Results

Since the cryolipolysis technology utilized by CoolSculpting works by causing the fat cells to slowly die off and be metabolized by the body, visible results are not immediate. Typically a patient will begin to see a diminishment in their double chin a few weeks after treatment. It can take up to four months to see complete results and some patients may require a second treatment. The results will be permanent because the CoolMini actually destroys the fat cells in the area. It does not prevent new fat cells from developing. Only proper diet and exercise will help to fully maintain the results. In a recent clinical study using the CoolMini, 83% of patients were satisfied with their results and 8 out of 10 would recommend CoolSculpting with the CoolMini.

Vive Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetics is a unique medical practice, filling a much needed service to the South Jersey community. It is the first medical practice in the area, specializing on weight loss and aesthetic medicine. Call us today to set up your free consultation. We’ll see if you’re a good candidate for CoolSculpting with the CoolMini and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Cool Technology. Even Cooler Results.

Learn more about this and other ways CoolSculpting can help you at our Cool Night Out event on Thursday April 28th.

Have you seen the television commercials about CoolSculpting or heard about it from your friends? Are you wondering if CoolSculpting is right for you? It is best to do some research and of course, consult with your dermatologic surgeon or CoolSculpting professional when making this decision.

What is CoolSclupting?

The CoolSculpting procedure uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. This unique FDA cleared procedure is a non-surgical fat reduction procedure that reduces the number of fat cells in the treated areas.

The treated fat cells die and are naturally eliminated by the body. The elimination of these fat cells prevents them from enlarging. While this provides excellent results for spotty areas of fat and creates a more sculpted and toned physique, CoolSculpting is not meant for significant weight loss.

Who Can Benefit From CoolSculpting?

No matter how hard you work out or watch what you eat, do you still have those annoying love handles or muffin top that won’t go away?

CoolSculpting is recommended for those who are basically physically fit, who even after diet and exercise, have small areas of fat deposits that are not severe enough to be considered for a more serious surgical procedure. Both men and women, who are in overall good health can benefit from CoolSculpting.

Have Realistic Expectations

Anyone undergoing this procedure needs to fully understand how CoolSculpting works and have realistic expectations for their potential results. While those stubborn spotty areas of fat can effectively be treated with CoolSculpting, it is not intended as an alternative to a weight loss program or a solution for obesity.

Potential candidates should have an honest discussion with their medical professional about the possible results for their specific body type and physical condition.

Additionally, you should not expect instant results. It typically takes 8 -12 weeks for full results and in some cases can require more than one treatment to achieve the results desired.

What to Expect

One of the most unique and convenient features of CoolSculpting is the procedure which requires no down time. A treatment lasts one hour after which you can immediately return to your normal daily routine. With no recuperation time needed, you can return to work, go shopping or even exercise.

While a mild pinching and chill may be felt, CoolSculpting is not considered to be uncomfortable. These sensations are not painful and there is no need for any anesthetic. You can relax and read a book or use your iPad during the procedure.

Are There Side Effects?

CoolSculpting may sometimes cause very mild bruising or minor skin irritation to the treated area. There are no permanent side effects. This completely safe, FDA cleared procedure does not harm healthy cells or damage the surrounding tissue.

Are Results Permanent?

With CoolSculpting the treated fat cells are gone for good, but if you over eat, your remaining fat cells can become enlarged. It is still necessary to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine after the procedure.

This doesn’t mean you have to eat nothing but salad or spend hours at the gym. Simply eat well-balanced, sensibly sized meals that leave you satisfied not stuffed. Include exercise in your daily routine even if you just take a nice long walk every day.

Vive Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetics is a unique medical practice, providing a much needed service to the South Jersey community. It is the first medical practice in the area, specializing on weight loss and aesthetic medicine. The office was built with this in mind, and with its spacious consultation and treatment rooms and modern décor, you will feel comfortable and relaxed the moment you enter the office. Schedule a consultation today and let us help you decide if CoolSculpting is the right option for you.

While the result of any cosmetic corrective procedure is ultimately what attracts us, the cost of the procedure is typically the first question we think of even if it isn’t the first question we ask. Similar to other procedures such as Botox, peels, and dermal fillers, CoolSculpting is not cheap but because of the results possible with this procedure, you may consider Coolsculpting. Less involved and less expensive than liposuction, Coolsculpting may be the perfect option for you.

Keep in mind, cost may vary with your geographic location and the medical practice providing this procedure. The treatments and the costs listed below are typical, which will give you an idea of what to expect. These prices are per treatment. Be aware, you may need two treatments to achieve the desired result.

Health insurance plans do not cover CoolSculpting, which is unfortunate. Still, if you’ve been struggling to lose stubborn fat deposits and have exhausted every other avenue, you may want to work it in to your budget. The potential result of Coolsculpting may be well worth it.

What is Coosculpting?

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive, nonsurgical, FDA-cleared procedure that can help you lose stubborn areas of fat such as muffin top or a double chin even after weight loss. Developed at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Coolsculpting is based on the idea that cold can selectively affect fat. The scientist of the Wellman Center developed this innovative cooling process that safely and effectively targets fat cells beneath the skin with minimal discomfort. Once treated, the fat cells crystallize and then die. With time, your body will process the fat and eliminate the dead cells. Coolsculpting does not damage the skin or surrounding tissue. The result will be a more sculpted you.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAT REDUCTION AND WEIGHT LOSS

Weight loss and fat reduction are often thought to be the same thing, but they really aren’t. With weight loss, fat cells get smaller but there are just as many of them. If you gain weight, fat cells get larger. The CoolSculpting procedure actually reduces the number of fat cells in the treated areas.

Fat cells that no longer exist can’t get bigger and treated fat cells are gone for good. With or without weight loss, you’ll be slimmer, more sculpted and you will feel and look better.

AM I A CANDIDATE?

Even though fat distribution is different in men and women, Coolsculpting is effective on both. It is intended for people who are close to their goal weight and can “pinch just an inch or two”. You should not expect instant results.

It typically takes 8 -12 weeks for full results and can sometimes take two treatments.

Make sure the medical professional developing your treatment plan is aware of any and all health issues. Some health issues eliminate you as a candidate, such as Raynaud’s Syndrome, which is a circulatory disorder. You should also follow a healthy diet and exercise plan to maintain your goal weight.

Vive Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetics is a unique medical practice, filling a much needed service to the South Jersey community. It is the first medical practice in the area, specializing on weight loss and aesthetic medicine. The office was built with this in mind, and with its spacious consultation and treatment rooms and modern décor, you will feel comfortable and relaxed the moment you enter the office. At Vive Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetics, we can help you decide if Coolsculpting is the right option for you. Schedule a consultation today. Become the person you always dreamed you’d be!

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Just like all other organs, we should take care of them. Our actions, eating habits, and self-maintenance affect the health of our skin. The appearance of our skin correlates to our overall appearance and self-confidence. Whenever one feels displeased with their skin, there are medical spa centers, medical weight loss and aesthetics centers, and physicians that offer skin treatments. Each center and physician will offer different products and packages but the premises remain the same. Popular techniques of a medical spa South Jersey are chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and facials.

Chemical Peels

The purpose of chemical peels are to improve the texture and tone of the skin. This results in new skin that will form, creating a smoother, fresher, and brighter appearance than before. Each peel is unique in its strengths, designs, and treatments. Chemical peels are known to reverse the signs of aging and skin damage from the sun in as little as a couple treatments.

These are minimally invasive procedures that will improve the appearance of the skin. Professional and trained aestheticians can apply these effective solutions to your face, neck, chest, or hands. These peels will “peel” away dead skin allowing a new foundation of skin cells to form.

Microdermabrasion

This procedure eliminates oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria from the skin. The method will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A medical spa South Jersey will treat skin to appear younger, smoother, healthier, and more luminescent.

Facials

These treatments are customized for you. By use of a selected chemical, facials will correct and enhance skin tone, texture, and appearance. Depending on the chemical selected, different can results can be expected for the user. Facials are not limited to just the face, most med spas in South Jersey will offer facials for those hard to reach areas, such as the back.

Skin Health

Protect your skin and prolong the health of your skin. The techniques above are effective but so are the products that do not need to be administered by a trained professional. Some products can be applied daily, but always choose products that will protect the skin.

The sun may bring life to plant life, but it can bring harm to untreated skin. Look for products that contain protection from the harmful UV rays. Certain antioxidants will assist in protection against damage. Always choose products that are water and sweat resistant to prolong the effectiveness.

Different seasons can effective your skin. Prevent dryness with the right moisturizer. Consult with a professional to determine a customized moisture level for your skin. The right moisture level will hydrate the skin no matter the season. Together a moisturizer containing different vitamins can offer plenty of benefits to the user than just skin hydration.

Before selecting a treatment to rejuvenate the confidence in your skin health, always consult with a physician to determine a treatment is safe for you. It may be determined that the health of your skin can alter from changing your diet.

Consultation

At Vive Our medical esthetician can create a customized skin care regimen to solve any of your problems or concerns with SkinMedica skin care products and peels. Skin care consultations are always free at Vive and as an added bonus: you can earn and redeem BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS points with your SkinMedica purchases.

Vive Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetics is a unique medical practice, filling a much-needed service to the South Jersey community. It is the first medical practice in the area, specializing on weight loss and aesthetic medicine. The office was built with this in mind, and with its spacious consultation and treatment rooms and modern décor, you will feel comfortable and relaxed the moment you enter the office.

It all starts when the pants are becoming too snug around the waist. The gut starts to bulge out a little bit, so you start to wear clothing that provides a little extra room. It’s one thing to hide it, but there are methods available to eliminate stubborn fat.

There are medical centers that offer fat-reducing techniques that have been proven to be effective. Liposuction has been the people’s choice for many years to achieve the quick result getting rid of visible fat. Since the introduction of liposuction, medical fat reducing alternatives have been introduced to market. The latest alternative is CoolScupting, an FDA approved, safe, and effective process to reduce fat. Both are effective methods, but which method wins the battle of fat reduction?

Procedure vs Process

The major difference between these fat reduction methods is the level of invasiveness. Liposuction is a surgical procedure where a doctor will need to make an incision on the body in order to remove the fat. The patient must be willing to go under anesthesia before the doctor can begin the operation.

CoolScupting is viewed more as a process than a procedure because no surgery is involved. CoolScupting does not require any cuts or incisions into the body. The process works by freezing the fat pockets inside the target areas. This innovative technology will cause the now-frozen fat cells to die and naturally leave your body. Only the unwanted fat cells are targeted, all other cells and tissues are not affected.

Down-Time

When a patient undergoes the procedure of liposuction, the body undergoes a major overhaul. The patient’s body has been opened up and fat has been removed. A period of down-time is recommended for the patient to recover.

CoolSculpting does not require any down-time after sessions. Since the body does not need the time to recover, the patient can continue with their daily routines.

Risky Business

As with any other operation, the procedure of liposuction comes with surgical risks. Since the patient will have to agree to go under anesthesia, the patient could potentially suffer complications related to the drug. The procedure could result in infections, in which the physician will need to prescribe an anti-biotic. If a blood vessel had been ruptured in the procedure, embolism could occur. Nerve complications can develop changes in a patient’s sense of touch. Other minor surgical risks of liposuction include burning, swelling, and skin damage.

The surgical risks of CoolSculpting are non-existent, because no surgery is required. As with alternatives to liposuction, CoolSculpting has shown minimal side effects to the process. The most common side effect of CoolSculpting has been bruising of the targeted areas.

Sessions

CoolSculpting is a process and requires multiple sessions to maximize the benefits. Patients have reported noticing results within the first couple of weeks. The most dramatic results are predicted to occur within months 1-3 with the body continuing to flush out fat cells as long as 4-6 months after treatment.

Liposuction is a one, in some cases two, session procedure with a period of downtime for recovery. The number of sessions plays a role in the cost of each method. Liposuction will require a one-time large sum, whereas CoolSculpting will consist of multiple payments on a smaller scale.

After the procedure of liposuction or process of CoolSculpting, a proper diet and exercise should be implemented to maintain the recent transformation.

Which Method Wins the Battle?

The victor of the fat reduction battle depends on the patient. Both methods are safe to reduce fat, and proper exercise mixed with a healthy nutrition can prolong the results. Most are familiar with liposuction but CoolSculpting is becoming a more popular form of fat reducing treatment for patients wanting minimal surgical risks and no physical incisions to their body.

At Vive, we are South Jersey’s leading CoolSculpting center. Having done over 1000 cycles of CoolSculpting, we only have certified technicians to ensure you get the best treatment possible. And, with two machines, we can do your treatment in half the time. You may have thought liposuction was the only way to get rid of your spare tire, love handles, or muffin top, but you were wrong.

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